Appliance balance ring with fluid channels

ABSTRACT

A balance ring for an appliance such as e.g., washing machine is provided. The balance ring includes an annular space with one or more features that project into the annular space. The features can provide channels for movement of fluid relative to counter weights positioned in the annular space so as to facilitate counter balancing of a rotating element in the appliance such as e.g., the wash basket of a washing machine.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to abalance ring for an appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the operation of a washing machine, particularly during spincycles, the machine can sometimes experience an extreme vibration. Thesevibrations can even cause displacement of the washing machine as it“walks” across a surface such as a floor. Typically, this event is dueto the different shapes and densities of the clothing or objects thatare being washed which, after the washing cycle and the draining of thewash basket, can stick together and cause differences in the center ofmass inside the wash basket. The vibration problem can also be caused bythe introduction of relatively heavier objects into the washing basketsuch as e.g., shoes.

By way of example, after the wash cycle and the draining of the washfluid from the basket, the shoes may be located on one side of the washbasket or positioned in a manner that causes the center of mass of thecombined wash basket and articles (such as the shoes, clothes, and otheritems being washed) to be off center. As the wash basket is rotated,particularly at high speeds during e.g., a spin cycle, the off centeringand centrifugal forces create an imbalance that can generate undesiredstrain in the washing machine components, an undesirable level of noise,and/or “walking” of the appliance. In an extreme or prolonged situation,the imbalance created by the excessive vibration can also wear-out anddamage the washing machine components.

As a result, in order to prevent this imbalance, various devices havebeen proposed. For example, washing machines have been equipped withbalance rings, which are typically hollow rings that rotate with thewash basket. Inside the ring (or toroid) a weight such a liquid or solidballs have been inserted. During operation, the ring will act as acounterweight to the load of clothes because the liquid or solid ballswill move to a position within the ring that counters the centrifugalforces created by the articles in the wash and thereby balance thebasket during rotation. Balance rings of various configurationsincluding chambers, partitions, and other elements to improve thebalancing effect have also been proposed.

For washing machines, the above mentioned balance rings are typicallyattached or connected in some manner with the wash basket. For example,for a vertical axis washing machine, the balance ring can be attached tothe top and/or bottom of the wash basket chamber. For a horizontal axiswashing machine, it can be attached to the front, back, or both ends ofthe washing chamber.

With balance rings that incorporate counterweights within the balancering, it is important that such weights move freely within the annularspaces of balance ring so as to readily provide a counter balance duringspinning of the wash basket. If the counterweights become stuck at acertain position in the balance ring or cannot move freely, then thebalance ring will not be able to counter an imbalance in the washbasket.

Balance rings can also be provided with a fluid within the annular spaceof the ring. The fluid can enhance the ability of the balance ring tostabilize a spinning wash basket. However, if counter weights are alsoprovided within the balance ring, the fluid may impede the movement ofthe counter weights within the balance ring and, as a result, theireffectiveness.

Accordingly, a balance ring for balancing the load of a rotating elementwithin an appliance, such as e.g., the wash basket of a washing machine,would be beneficial. Such a balance ring that can also utilize a fluidas well as movable counterweights with the balance ring would be useful.A balance ring that allows the fluid and counterweights to move relativeto each other would also be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washingmachine that includes a wash tub and a wash basket mounted in the washtub and rotatable about an axis of rotation. The wash basket has a washbasket opening for receiving wash fluid and a wash load therein. Thewash basket includes an external surface extending circumferentiallyabout an axis of rotation of the wash basket. A motor is in mechanicalcommunication with the wash basket and is configured for causing thewash basket to rotate. A balance ring is mounted onto the externalsurface of the wash basket. The balance ring is configured to offsetimbalances created by articles in the wash tub when the wash basket isrotated by the motor. The balance ring has a top wall and a bottom wall.The balance ring also defines an annular chamber extendingcircumferentially about the axis of rotation of the wash basket, and aplurality of ribs projecting into the chamber from the top wall, thebottom wall, or both, of the balance ring. The ribs extendcircumferentially around the axis of rotation of the wash basket. Atleast one cylindrically-shaped counter weight is positioned in theannular chamber. The counterweight has a pair of opposing, planarsurfaces.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides abalance ring for stabilizing a rotating element of an appliance. Thebalance ring defines circumferential and radial directions. The balancering has an annular space and includes a radially inner wall and aradially outer wall spaced apart along the radial direction from theradially inner wall. The annular space is positioned at least partiallybetween the radially inner wall and the radially outer wall. A topextends between the radially inner and outer walls. A bottom extendsbetween the radially inner and outer walls. At least one movablecounterweight is positioned within the annular space. A plurality ofprojections are positioned within the annular space and are located uponthe top, bottom, or both. The projections define one or more channelsfor the passage of a fluid between the counterweight and the top orbottom.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides awashing machine that includes a wash tub and a wash basket mounted inthe wash tub. The wash basket is rotatable about an axis of rotation andis configured for the receipt of laundry articles therein. The washbasket defines a wall extending circumferentially about the wash basket.A motor is in mechanical communication with the wash basket and isconfigured for causing the wash basket to rotate. A balance ring ismounted onto the wall of the wash basket. The balance ring includes achamber extending circumferentially about the wash basket and aplurality of ribs extending circumferentially about the balance ring andprojecting into the chamber. A plurality of counter weights arepositioned within the chamber of the balance ring. The counter weightsare movable within the chamber and are positioned in contact with one ormore of the plurality of ribs. A fluid is located in the chamber of thebalance ring. The ribs define one or more channels through which thefluid may pass between the counter weights and the balance ring.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of awashing machine appliance of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wash basket andwash bin of the exemplary appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a balance ring of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up, perspective and cross-sectional view of the lowerportion of the exemplary balance ring shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides a partial perspective and cross-sectional view of thebalance ring shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a balance ring for an appliance such ase.g., a washing machine. The balance ring includes an annular space withone or more features that project into the annular space. The featurescan provide channels for movement of fluid relative to counter weight(s)positioned in the annular space so as to facilitate counter balancing ofa rotating element in the appliance such as e.g., the wash basket of awashing machine. Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments ofthe invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in thedrawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of theinvention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art that various modifications and variationscan be made in the present invention without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or describedas part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield astill further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention covers such modifications and variations as come within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vertical axis washingmachine 50 including a cabinet 52 and a top cover 54. FIG. 2 is a sidecross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. While avertical axis washing machine will be used to describe an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that thepresent invention is not limited to vertical axis washing machine and,instead, could be used with horizontal axis washing machines or evenother appliances having a rotating element for which counterbalancingmay be needed.

A backsplash 56 extends from cover 54, and a control panel 58 includinga plurality of input selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56. Controlpanel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively form a user interface inputfor operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, inone embodiment, a display 61 indicates selected features, a countdowntimer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. A door or lid 62is mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable about a hinge (not shown)between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to wash tub 64located within cabinet 52, and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1)forming an enclosure over wash tub 64. Wash tub 64 includes a bottomwall 66 and a sidewall 68, and a basket 70 that is rotatably mountedwithin wash tub 64. A pump assembly (not shown) is located beneath tub64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted flow when draining tub 64.

Referring now to FIG. 2, wash basket 70 is movably disposed androtatably mounted in wash tub 64 in a spaced apart relationship from tubsidewall 68 and the tub bottom 66. Basket 70 includes an opening 72 forreceiving wash fluid and a washload therein. Basket 70 includes aplurality of perforations 74 therein to facilitate fluid communicationbetween an interior of basket 70 and wash tub 64.

An agitation element 76, such as a vane agitator, impeller, auger, oroscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof is disposed inbasket 70 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid inbasket 70. In different embodiments, agitation element 76 includes asingle action element (i.e., oscillatory only), double action(oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the otherend) or triple action (oscillatory movement plus single directionrotation at one end, singe direction rotation at the other end). Asillustrated in FIG. 2, agitation element 76 is oriented to rotate abouta vertical axis A. Basket 70 and agitator 76 are driven by permanentmagnet synchronous motor 78, which operates to turn or rotate agitator76 and/or basket 70 with tub 64 as will be more fully described below.

Operation of machine 50 is controlled by a controller or processingdevice (not shown) that is operatively coupled to the user interfaceinput 58 located on washing machine backsplash 56 (shown in FIG. 1) foruser manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. Inresponse to user manipulation of the user interface input 58, thecontroller operates the various components of machine 50 to executeselected machine cycles and features.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into basket 70,and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation ofcontrol input selectors 60 (shown in FIG. 1). Wash tub 64 is filled withwater and mixed with detergent to form a wash fluid. The contents of thebasket 70 are agitated with agitation element 76 for cleansing oflaundry items in basket 70. More specifically, agitation element 76 ismoved back and forth in an oscillatory back and forth motion. In theillustrated embodiment, agitation element 76 is rotated clockwise aspecified amount about the vertical axis of the machine, and thenrotated counterclockwise by a specified amount. Theclockwise/counterclockwise reciprocating motion is sometimes referred toas a stroke, and the agitation phase of the wash cycle constitutes anumber of strokes in sequence. Acceleration and deceleration ofagitation element 76 during the strokes imparts mechanical energy toarticles in basket 70 for cleansing action. The strokes may be obtainedin different embodiments with a reversing motor, a reversible clutch, orother known reciprocating mechanism.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 64 isdrained with the pump assembly. Laundry items are then rinsed andportions of the cycle repeated, including the agitation phase, dependingon the particulars of the wash cycle selected by a user. One or morespin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be appliedafter the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring washfluid from the articles being washed through openings 74 in basket 70.During a spin cycle, basket 70 is rotated at relatively high speeds. Aspreviously indicated, imbalances in the wash basket 70 during the spincycle can cause undesirable vibrations and even movement of washingmachine 50.

Accordingly, wash basket 70 is equipped with a balance ring 80 as shownin FIGS. 2 and 3. Balance ring 80 includes a plurality of counterweights 86 that are movable within an annular chamber 104 containedwithin the toroid shaped balance ring 80. As previously described,counter weights 86 serve to counter balance an unbalanced load duringspinning of basket 70 to remove water and other fluids through holes 74.Balance ring 80 also includes a fluid within annular chamber 104. Suchfluid could be e.g., silicone, water, or other compositions as well.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, balance ring 80 is attached to externalsurface 82 of wash basket 70. External surface 82 extendscircumferentially around the axis of rotation A of basket 70. Aplurality of fasteners 84 are used to fixedly attach balance ring 80 tobasket 70 at positions that are circumferentially spaced about externalsurface 82. Fasteners 84 may be e.g., bolts or screws that are extendedthrough apertures 110 in fastener guides 90, which are alsocircumferentially spaced about external surface 82 (FIG. 4). Althoughshown in this exemplary embodiment as being mounted to the wash basket,it should be understood that the balance ring could be mounted to otherrotating members of the appliance as well including e.g., the motor.Also, the balance ring could be mounted to the top, bottom, or both ofthe wash basket. As will be understood by one of skill in the art usingthe teachings disclosed herein, other configurations may be used aswell.

FIG. 5 provides a close-up, perspective and cross-sectional view of thebottom or lower portion 88 of the exemplary balance ring 80 shown inFIG. 4. FIG. 6 provides a partial perspective and cross-sectional viewof balance ring 80 with the top or upper portion 102 connected withlower portion 88. Portions 88 and 102 can be created by e.g., plasticinjection molding. Upper portion 102 includes a pair of tongues 122 thatare received into U-shaped channels 120 on lower portion 88. Otherconstructions may be used as well. Together, portions 88 and 102 providea top wall 116 and bottom wall 118 that are connected by radially innerwall 112 and radially outer wall 114 to form annular chamber 104.

Counter weight 86 is cylindrically-shaped and includes a pair ofopposing, planar surfaces 94 and 96 spaced in a manner that give anoverall disk or puck appearance. As previously discussed, counter weight86 (along with other counter weights that may be used) move withinannular chamber 104 when wash basket 70 spins as to offset or counterbalance loads in basket 70. As such, relatively unrestricted movement ofcounter weight 86 within a fluid present in chamber 104 is desirable.

Accordingly, to facilitate such movement, a plurality of projections orribs 98 and 100 project into annular chamber 104 and provide channels106 and 108 through which fluid may pass and/or be displaced tofacilitate the movement of counter weight 86 through chamber 104. Moreparticularly, ribs 96 project from the bottom wall 118 to createmultiple channels 108 while ribs 100 project from the top wall 116 tocreate multiple channel 106. Ribs 96 and 100 each extendcircumferentially about the balance ring 80. As counter weight 86 movesthrough chamber 104 due to e.g., centrifugal forces created by therotation of basket 70, channels 106 and 108 readily allow for thedisplacement or flow of fluid past counter weight 86. For example, fluidcan readily pass between planar surface 96 of counter weight 86 and thebottom surface 92 of bottom wall 118. As such, channels 106 and 108serve to help ensure that counter weight 86 is readily moveable withinchamber 104.

While the exemplary embodiment of a balance ring 80 shows only four ribs(two for each portion 88 and 102), a different number and configurationof ribs may be used as will be understood by one of skill in the artusing the teachings disclosed herein. Additionally, the presentinvention is not limited to the particular shape for ribs 98 and 100 asshown in the figures, it being understood that other shapes be used aswell.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine, comprising: a wash tub; a washbasket mounted in said wash tub and rotatable about an axis of rotation,said wash basket having a wash basket opening for receiving wash fluidand a wash load therein, said wash basket including an external surfaceextending circumferentially about an axis of rotation of said washbasket; a motor in mechanical communication with said wash basket andconfigured for causing said wash basket to rotate; a balance ringmounted onto the external surface of said wash basket, said balance ringconfigured to offset imbalances created by articles in said wash tubwhen said wash basket is rotated by said motor, said balance ring havinga top wall and a bottom wall, said balance ring defining an annularchamber extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation of saidwash basket; and a plurality of ribs projecting into said chamber fromthe top wall, the bottom wall, or both, of said balance ring, said ribsextending circumferentially around the axis of rotation of said washbasket; and, at least one cylindrically-shaped counter weight positionedin said annular chamber, said counterweight having a pair of opposing,planar surfaces.
 2. A washing machine in claim 1, wherein said pluralityof ribs comprise at least two ribs projecting from said top wall and atleast two ribs projecting from said bottom wall so as to create multiplechannels along the top wall and bottom wall of said balance ring.
 3. Awashing machine in claim 2, wherein said balance ring further comprisesa plurality of fastener guides spaced circumferentially about saidbalance ring, each said fastener guide positioned on an exterior of saidbalance ring, each said fastener guide defining an opening for receiptof a fastener to attach to said wash basket.
 4. A washing machine as inclaim 1, wherein said balance ring comprises a toroidal shape thatencloses the annular space.
 5. A washing machine as in claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of cylindrically-shaped counter weightspositioned in said annular chamber and movable therein.
 6. A washingmachine as in claim 1, wherein the washing machine is a vertical axiswashing machine.
 7. A washing machine as in claim 1, wherein the washingmachine is a horizontal axis washing machine.
 8. A washing machine as inclaim 1, wherein said balance ring is positioned near a bottom portionof said wash basket.
 9. A balance ring for stabilizing a rotatingelement of an appliance, the balance ring defining circumferential andradial directions, said balance ring having an annular space andcomprising a radially inner wall; a radially outer wall spaced apartalong the radial direction from said radially inner wall, wherein saidannular space is positioned at least partially between said radiallyinner wall and said radially outer wall; a top extending between saidradially inner and outer walls; a bottom extending between said radiallyinner and outer walls; at least one movable counterweight positionedwithin the annular space; and, a plurality of projections positionedwithin the annular space and located upon said top, said bottom, orboth, said projections defining one or more channels for the passage ofa fluid between said counterweight and said top or bottom.
 10. A balancering as in claim 9, wherein the annular space of the balance ringincludes a fluid and a plurality of counter weights that are moveablealong the annular space within the fluid.
 11. A balance ring as in claim10, further comprising a plurality of fastener guides spacedcircumferentially about the balance ring.
 12. A balance ring as in claim9, wherein said counterweight is cylindrically-shaped and includesopposing, planar surfaces.
 13. A balance ring as in claim 10, whereinthe appliance is a washing machine.
 14. A balance ring as in claim 10,wherein the top, bottom, or both comprise a molded plastic.
 15. Awashing machine, comprising: a wash tub; a wash basket mounted in saidwash tub, rotatable about an axis of rotation, and configured for thereceipt of laundry articles therein, said wash basket defining a wallextending circumferentially about said wash basket; a motor inmechanical communication with said wash basket and configured forcausing said wash basket to rotate; a balance ring mounted onto the wallof said wash basket, said balance ring comprising: a chamber extendingcircumferentially about said wash basket; and, a plurality of ribsextending circumferentially about said balance ring and projecting intothe chamber; a plurality of counter weights positioned within thechamber of said balance ring, said counter weights movable within saidchamber and positioned in contact with one or more of said plurality ofribs a fluid located in the chamber of said balance ring; wherein saidribs define one or more channels through which said fluid may passbetween said counter weights and said balance ring.
 16. A washingmachine as in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of fastenerguides circumferentially spaced about said balance ring, each fastenerguide defining an aperture for receipt of a fastener for attaching saidbalance ring to said wash basket.
 17. A washing machine as in claim 15,wherein said balance ring comprises a top portion and a bottom portion,wherein the bottom portion comprises a plastic, U-shaped portion.
 18. Awashing machine as in claim 17, wherein the top portion and the bottomportion are joined together in a complementary manner to form thechamber of said balance ring.